Mcellucci said:How can discreet quanta of photon energy make up a continuous electromagnetic spectrum, whose wavelengths are any arbitrary value? Is there overlap of quanta, temperature dependency, or so many finely divided energy levels that the spectrum just appears continuous? Electron energies are quantized as are the photons emitted, but wavelengths are any length whatsoever. Are there any wavelengths that have never been "seen"?
What am i missing?
Discreet quanta refers to the idea that energy and matter can only exist in specific, discrete amounts or units. This is in contrast to the continuous electromagnetic spectrum, which is a range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. In other words, discreet quanta suggests that energy and matter can only exist in certain increments, while the continuous electromagnetic spectrum suggests that energy and matter can exist in any amount within a given range.
The concept of discreet quanta is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics, which is the branch of physics that studies the behavior of matter and energy on a very small scale. Quantum mechanics explains that energy and matter can only exist in specific, discreet amounts, and this principle is essential in understanding many phenomena at the atomic and subatomic levels.
An example of discreet quanta is the behavior of electrons in an atom. Electrons can only exist in specific energy levels, and they can only move between these levels by absorbing or emitting discreet amounts of energy in the form of photons. This can be observed in the emission spectrum of an element, where discreet lines of light are emitted at specific wavelengths corresponding to the energy differences between electron energy levels.
The continuous electromagnetic spectrum is present in many everyday technologies and phenomena. For example, visible light is a part of the continuous electromagnetic spectrum, and it allows us to see objects and colors. The spectrum also includes radio waves, which are used for communication, and microwaves, which are used for cooking. X-rays and gamma rays, which are higher energy forms of radiation, are used in medical imaging and cancer treatment.
Yes, discreet quanta and the continuous electromagnetic spectrum can coexist. While discreet quanta suggests that energy and matter can only exist in certain increments, the continuous electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. This means that discreet quanta is a more specific concept within the larger context of the continuous electromagnetic spectrum.